The development of a new academy, comprising of a new Primary school, a center for Early Childhood Education and soon to be College, has been made at Tafaigata compound. This academy is history in the making, and will become a first ever model school consisting of all three levels of schooling, a vision long wished for by the Ministry.
The 20 acres of land approved by cabinet for the establishment of this new initiative, has been under development by the Ministry since June 2020. The old buildings have been renovated to depict transformation of new ECE classrooms and primary classrooms for Year 1 – Year 8, a library and a staff room for teachers. An estimated 2 acres of land has been reconstructed into a sports field for this academy. The existing old buildings will be renovated by the Ministry and transformed into vocational workshop space for students, storage and an offsite for the archives and records of the Ministry. It is expected that the remaining vacated acres of land will accommodate the development of new extra primary buildings and a new college for 2021.
The school will set precedence as the first model school for the development of digital education for both ECE and primary with vocational subjects and learning pathways for the soon to be developed College. While technology has been practiced by many schools, especially colleges, digital education has never been prioritized for ECE students. The introduction of e-learning and audio-visual learning will become part of this envisaged digital education for students.
The Ministry in the last 3 weeks has taken a team challenge approach in the renovation of the buildings, the landscaping and beautification of the area. It is a project that has included the artistic skills and talents, of the Art students and teachers of Leififi College in painting the walls which has totally transformed the dull buildings to most welcoming scenery outside the fence. The inside images and pictures were put together by the Curriculum division of MESC representing all the subject areas. A new transformation has taken place in this new learning environment, with colorful views of greenery and gardens, painting a different feeling and message for the future of Samoa in this particular area.
The school is intended for students from Tafaigata (Sogi who have been relocated) Siusega, Aleisa, Nuu, and Falelauniu). The registration of students took place during the Term 2 holidays, with the intention that Term 3 will kick start with an official opening of the new school. Teacher registration has also been opened since Term 2 for the recruitment of teachers.
The school will establish its own school committees and PTA to support the development of this school. While this is in its infancy stage, the Ministry will continue to support the developments.
The blessing of the land and a prayer walk will take place on Wednesday at Tafaigata. This is prior to the official opening ceremony which will take place on Thursday 30th July 2020.
The Honorable Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi will deliver the keynote address.
Ends…
